Pilocarpine is a muscarinic agonist used to treat dry mouth and various ophthalmic conditions, such as presbyopia, increased intraocular pressure, and angle-closure glaucoma. A naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the Pilocarpus plants, pilocarpine is a muscarinic acetylcholine agonist.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 5 references
The muscarinic M3 receptor is expressed in various endocrine and exocrine glands, including the gastric and salivary glands. It is also found in smooth muscle cells in pupillary sphincter and ciliary bodies. The M3 receptor is a Gq-protein-coupled receptor that activates phospholipase C and upregulates inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium. M3 receptor activation has been implicated in smooth muscle contraction and the stimulation of salivary glands. Pilocarpine is an agonist for M1 and M2 receptors, and is a full and partial agonist at the M3 receptor.
- Primary indication
- Pilocarpine oral tablets are indicated for the treatment of dry mouth caused by Sjogren's Syndrome or radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck.Curator reviewed · 13 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C11H16N2O2 · 208.2569 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1974
- Also known as
- 2(3H)-FURANONE, 3-ETHYLDIHYDRO-4-((1-METHYL-1H-IMIDAZOL-5-YL)METHYL)-, (3S-CIS)- · OCUCARPINE · PILOKARPIN · SPERSACARPINE · SYNCARPINE
- Brand names
Resolves to
QCHFTSOMWOSFHM-WPRPVWTQSA-NSMILESCC[C@H]1[C@@H](CC2=CN=CN2C)COC1=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 21, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Pilocarpine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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